The life and work of Stan Lee, the Marvel Comics creator who died Nov. 12 at the age of 95, will be celebrated at a tribute event at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood on Jan. 30. ‘Excelsior! A Stan Lee Celebration’ will be hosted by director Kevin Smith, and it will benefit The Hero Initiative, which supports comic book creators, artists, and writers.
“Thank you, Stan, for making me not only the boy I was but also the man I am today,” Smith said in a statement. “You had great power and you always used it responsibly, fostering billions of dreamers who all know your name — a name written in the stars for all time. You were not just the literary titan of comic books, you were our modern-day Mark Twain.”
A public exhibition of costumes, art, and props will be on display in the theatre’s forecourt, after which Smith will host a private event featuring discussions with actors and creators including Mark Hamill. Vincent D’Onofrio, RZA, and producers Rob Liefeld (“Deadpool”), Michael Uslan (“The Dark Knight”), and Tom DeSanto (“X-Men and “Transformers” franchise).
The event will also include video tributes and performances of Lee’s favorite music and poetry.
“We are honored for this chance for Stan’s fans and friends to come together in a celebration of his remarkable life,” said Scott D. Williams, CEO of Stan Lee’s POW! Entertainment. “Despite his passing, Stan’s name, work and legacy will continue to flourish and be revealed to the world. We are committed to honor Stan’s extraordinary life and work.”
Added Gill Champion, Lee’s business partner, “Stan was a unique and unforgettable human being, truly adored worldwide. He loved coming to work and creating endless new ideas and stories and in spite of his genius he was a relatable and kind man that his admirers could relate to with ease. He will be dearly missed and his legacy will live on now and for many more generations to come.”
Tickets for the celebration are available here.
